I looked at their page, and one of the answers on the FAQ just caused me more question ...

Quote:

Question: Are you a religious order or a secular institute?

Answer: Women and men who profess vows and belong to Religious Communities, are referred to under Canon Law as members of Religious Institutes. The term Institute can be the cause of confusion for some. In more common terminology, religious institutes are what people still call religious congregations, orders, or communities.

Our Society, The Daughters of the Heart of Mary, is a Religious Institute. In addition, we report directly to the Pope (the Pontiff) rather than to the local leadership (bishop) of a particular diocese, so we are further categorized by Canon Law as a Pontifical Religious Institute.

Secular institutes are organizations of like-minded Catholic laity or clerics who share a certain vision lived out personally, not communally.

_________________It is true that all roads to success are under construction. It is easy to say because, in this city, all roads are under construction. The real surprise is that success lies not in the road, but in the destination. If you don't go to heaven, your life is a failure!

_________________It is true that all roads to success are under construction. It is easy to say because, in this city, all roads are under construction. The real surprise is that success lies not in the road, but in the destination. If you don't go to heaven, your life is a failure!

I think the word "Order" is generally reserved to the long-established orders... Benedictines, Dominicans, Franciscans, etc. I believe newer "orders" are generally called communities.

_________________~~ Hello, you have reached the signature of Faramir (a.k.a. mattmoss). ~~

War must be, while we defend our lives against a destroyer who would devour all; but I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend.

No... from what I've read of documents coming out of Rome, the "official" term for all religious congregations, religious orders, or religious communities, i.e. those who take the evangelical vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience, is now "Religious Institute." They are differentiated from the "apostolic societies" and "secular institutes."

Although they are called "religious institutes" as an official term, the common or informal use of "orders" or "congregations" or "communities" remains used as they have been for many years.

The Daugters of the Heart of Mary are then a religious order, not a secular institute, or apostolic society.

Answer: Unlike religious congregations who wore a habit or still wear one, our community members have always worn clothing comparable to that worn by the laity. This allows us to penetrate deeply the milieu (times and surroundings) in which we live and serve. For example: we were able to have sisters living and serving behind the "iron curtain" for many years because without distinctive dress or symbol, no one suspected that they were religious women.

_________________It is true that all roads to success are under construction. It is easy to say because, in this city, all roads are under construction. The real surprise is that success lies not in the road, but in the destination. If you don't go to heaven, your life is a failure!

I'm not sure why it's "spin"? It sounds like an act of incredible bravery in the service of Christ. Can you imagine what would have happened to them if they had been discovered operating within the Soviet Empire? They deserve commendation.

_________________"Oh, night that guided me, Oh, night more lovely than the dawn, Oh, night that joined Beloved with lover, Lover transformed in the Beloved!" St. John of the Cross

They make their answer sound as if orders with traditional habits are not courageous, or willing to stand out - whereas for s nun to wear a habit on our streets requires fortitude.

_________________It is true that all roads to success are under construction. It is easy to say because, in this city, all roads are under construction. The real surprise is that success lies not in the road, but in the destination. If you don't go to heaven, your life is a failure!

_________________It is true that all roads to success are under construction. It is easy to say because, in this city, all roads are under construction. The real surprise is that success lies not in the road, but in the destination. If you don't go to heaven, your life is a failure!

I'm with you Sons of Thunder... I don't see anything wrong with their explanation.

The Daughters of the Heart of Mary are active in spreading the gospel message of Jesus... have been doing it for a couple hundred years... and even support the Pope. They are Pontifical group so that means they report into the Pope rather than the local Bishop... doesn't it?

_________________It is true that all roads to success are under construction. It is easy to say because, in this city, all roads are under construction. The real surprise is that success lies not in the road, but in the destination. If you don't go to heaven, your life is a failure!

Sistersonline is one of the worst. You can find links there that support FR. MAREK BOZEK and the radical feminist "Theologian" Sandra Schneiders is linked there raging about "a fake war being stirred up by the Vatican" because the Holy Father wants visitations to seminaries and religious orders.

It appears that the Daughters of the Heart of Mary are principally about leftist political ideas. I definitely could not recommend them to anyone.

_________________Whence are we to find words enough fully to tell the happiness of that marriage which the Church cements, and the Eucharistic oblation confirms, and the benediction signs and seals; which angels carry back the news of to heaven, which the Father holds as ratified? -Tertullian

It also should be noted that Paige3 is not someone wondering about the Daughters of the Heart of Mary, but she is part of them and is here to advertise for them. A quick glance at her email shows this thread is simply an advertisement meant to appear as someone who wants information on the Daughters of the Heart of Mary.

Edit: Paige3 appears is a Vocation Director for the Daughters of the Heart of Mary.

_________________Whence are we to find words enough fully to tell the happiness of that marriage which the Church cements, and the Eucharistic oblation confirms, and the benediction signs and seals; which angels carry back the news of to heaven, which the Father holds as ratified? -Tertullian